About those Artus Films HERCULES Blu-rays...

I just learned that the source of the new Blu-ray releases of HERCULES (1958) and HERCULES UNCHAINED (1959) will come from the BFI, or the British Film Institute (thanks John). It seems a certain person told Artus Films about these prints, which are apparently in much better condition than the ones that they tried to use but had to cancel the release a couple of years ago. This information was posted at an online forum. We will have to wait and see, This new development raises questions and issues/problems.

There are two English versions of HERCULES: the International English (IE) version recorded in Rome and the so-called Avco Embassy version which was created for the US/Canadian market. Of the two, the Avco Embassy version is the best. The US version also had a different opening (partially animated) and closing credits. The US version starts with Joseph E. Levine presents while the original IE one doesn't (as with the Japanese Blu-rays).

HERCULES was released in the UK before the Avco Embassy version was available. This means the UK version is the IE version made in Rome (without the Joseph E. Levine...). 

Now Artus Films releases usually do not include the English tracks. If they're using the one from the BFI, that means Artus Films will have to add the French and Italian audios to it. This means the Blu-rays will basically be Fan Dubs.  

I'm writing this to forewarn everyone of what to expect. My expectations are not high. If the BFI are indeed in good shape, this is very cool (and hopefully better than the Japanese Blu-rays). But the audio issues is a bit odd. A British print to be used for a French release that doesn't include the English audio.